Catnip Growing Guide

Nepeta cataria

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Any average, well drained soil

Position

Full sun to partial afternoon shade

Frost tolerant

Hardy in cold climates provided the plant is well-rooted and mulched. If desired, small plants can be potted up in autumn and grown through winter indoors.

Feeding

Not generally needed.

Spacing

Single Plants: 35cm (1' 1") each way (minimum)
Rows: 30cm (11") with 40cm (1' 3") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Catnip can be started from seeds sown indoors, or from a rooted cutting or purchased plant. Set out plants at about the time of your last frost.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Pinching back in late spring helps to keep plants bushy and full, and it delays flowering. Catnip flower clusters are visited by numerous small beneficial insects. If you can, grow clumps in different parts of your garden.

Harvesting

Gather sprigs as desired for the pleasure of your cats. One small stem tip with four to eight leaves is plenty for one or two cats to enjoy. Gather stems for drying in early summer, just before the plants bloom.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Catnip

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail